In a Medium post, I explore how the political memoir became weaponized as a tool for revenge and reinvention.
https://tomparkinwrites.medium.com/weaponizing-the-tell-all-political-memoir-d0db0bffe8ac
Writer and Political Analyst: Interested in Foreign Policy, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
In a Medium post, I explore how the political memoir became weaponized as a tool for revenge and reinvention.
https://tomparkinwrites.medium.com/weaponizing-the-tell-all-political-memoir-d0db0bffe8ac
As the UK heads into at least three weeks of lockdown, here are some suggestions for Liberal Democrats in want of a good book.
A fascinating case put foward by Adrian Parr. Here, Parr argues that only when we understand the dominating role played by capital in international diplomacy and environmental politics, can we begin to truly reshape our economy to support a stable and flourishing environment.
Fukuyama’s 1992 classic text proclaiming the victory of Western liberal democracy makes interesting reading in a decade of Brexit and Trump. A reminder of how quickly the global political landscape changes. Liberal democracy is fragile and needs constant work and protection.
In what now feels like decades ago, Dominic Cummings told journalists waiting outside his London home to read Philip Tetlock’s book ‘Superforcasting’ to better understand sacked Downing Street adviser Andrew Sabinsky. Well…now you can!
Following the success of Piketty’s first international bestselling tome ‘Capital in the Twenty-First Century’ (2013), he has returned. This time, the French economist presents a volume almost twice the size as his initial bestseller. I can’t say I’ve finished this new volume, but it certainly is a work in progress!
The Sheffield Liberal Democrats had another successful canvassing session in Beighton yesterday evening.
Well done to the Lib Dem team for going out on the doors!
We even managed an action shot! (Featuring THREE Toms)
Out on the doorstep this morning to help elect two excellent candidates, Alan Woodcock and Ann Whittaker, to the council in May.
On the UK’s first day outside the European Union, it is more important now than ever to campaign for a liberal UK. That campaign starts with local politics and local councillors.
Labour Party members should be given a vote in an internal Brexit referendum before MPs vote on another proposed deal from Prime Minister Theresa May.
The ballot would ask:
“Should the Parliamentary Labour Party support Britain’s exit from the EU?”
An internal party poll would be better than a ‘People’s Vote’ for three reasons.
If members vote to leave the EU, then Labour would whip its MPs to vote accordingly. Labour should request that a cross-party group be established to negotiate the terms of withdrawal instead of a one-party executive.
If members vote to remain in the EU, then the PLP would vote to withdraw Article 50 and seek to block any legislation that did not guarantee the same conditions as full membership.
I make this proposal as a long-time party member and supporter, seeking the most civil solution to an unwanted and artificial problem from the Cameron-era.
Tom Parkin is a Labour member, former CLP Youth Officer and Labour NEC candidate. He is currently studying International Relations and Politics at the University of Sheffield. (Twitter: @tompjparkin)